Western Colorado University STEM Viewbook 2022-23

HIGH-TECH In the High Country

A Guide to STEM Degrees at Western

Discover Western

35 STEM majors, minors and emphases.

Learn more about this program on page 24

Located in Gunnison, Colorado

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STEM scholarship opportunities worth thousands of dollars.

Western Colorado University delivers career preparation, engineering, computer science and other sciences as well as a liberal arts curriculum to 3,700 students, including 2,200 on-campus learners, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

95% of Western-CU Partnership Program students gain internship or research experience upon graduation.

Our university’s small size, unique setting and low cost ensure students receive personalized attention, gain hands-on experience and graduate without taking on excessive debt.

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Fort Collins Boulder

Grand Junction

Montrose

Greeley Denver

Colorado Springs

Gunnison

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Western is nestled in gorgeous Gunnison, the “Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains.” Known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere, Gunnison’s population strikes a unique balance between intellect and adventure, as there is no shortage of Ph.D.s, public land and bright young minds in the area.

Western.edu

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Find Your Fit 4

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UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

Biology Chemistry Computer Science Exercise & Sport Science Geology Mathematics Nutrition Science Physics Pre-Health

WESTERN-CU PARNTERSHIP PROGRAM 26 Computer Science 27 Mechanical Engineering Explore our STEM and Partnership Programs at western.edu/stem

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ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAMS

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Biology

• • • • •

Understanding the science behind life in all its stages

Career Pathways • • • • •

Understanding life forms—from molecules and cells, to organisms and ecosystems—has never been more critical. The Biology program at Western Colorado University emphasizes handson learning in the field and laboratory.

Microbiology Biochemistry Ecology Botany Sustainability

Beyond the Classroom

Erin Blair

Situated in the Gunnison Basin, Western Colorado University is an ideal place for you to immerse yourself in an expansive learning laboratory. Our state-of-the-art facilities, immersive learning opportunities, customized curriculum and professional network enable you to get a head start on your career.

Contact

With over 2 million acres of public land in Gunnison County, students have endless opportunities to learn through field experiences.

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Environmental Biology & Ecology Fisheries & Aquatic Ecology General Biology Wildlife & Conservation Secondary Licensure

Robin A. Bingham, Ph.D. Professor of Biology rbingham@western.edu 970.943.3355

You’ll have the opportunity to receive funding and work with faculty on your own original research through our Thornton Biology Research Program, help track lynx with The Wildlife Society, or collaborate with researchers at the world-renowned Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

western.edu/biology Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Chemistry

• Biochemistry • General Chemistry • Secondary Licensure

Career Pathways

From molecules up, learn how chemistry and chemical processes construct the building blocks of life

• • • •

Beyond the Classroom Chemistry students have the opportunity to both conduct their own research and help expert faculty with professional projects, preparing them for further study in graduate programs or lucrative careers in a fast-paced and in-demand industry.

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Life is essentially a complicated system of interrelated chemical processes. A Chemistry degree is a pathway to an incredible range of careers, from pharmaceuticals to nanomaterials. Here at Western, students conduct experiments in their courses and develop independent research projects. You can join chem club and help put on the annual chemical “magic show” for local elementary students.

Contact

Carley Clegg

Nearly all chemistry courses integrate a lab component, allowing students to bolster their understanding of classroom concepts.

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Chemical Engineering Pharmaceutical Forensics Product Development

Western’s location lends itself to outdoor lab work and students regularly find themselves conducting their research in the field.

Anne Ryter, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry aryter@western.edu 970.943.7098

western.edu/chemistry Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Computer Science

• • • •

Career Pathways • • • •

Develop, program and code solutions to complex digital problems

Software/Web Developing UX Design IT Project Managing Information Security

Beyond the Classroom

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With data pouring in from social media, cellphones, smart speakers and the explosion of “Internet of Things” devices, there has never been a better time to be a computer scientist. Each track within the Computer Science program is built on a core of programming in current languages while focusing on skills such as database management, GUI design, web development and software engineering.

Students have worked on projects such as facial recognition software, a gesture-controlled quadcopter, machine learning, Android apps, an online guided tour, commercial websites and more. Many students also participate in internships around the state, nation and Western’s own IT Services office.

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Contact

The Computer Science program curriculum provides students with a well-rounded technical skillset and leaves them prepared for dozens of professional roles after graduation.

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Information Security Scientific Computing Software Engineering Web Design & Development (Minor)

Western’s 16:1 student to faculty ratio allows students to receive individualized attention and learn one-on-one from expert faculty.

Sam Micka, Ph.D. Professor of Computer Science smicka@western.edu 970.943.7102

western.edu/program/computer-science Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Exercise & Sport Science

• Clinical Exercise Science • Health & Fitness • K-12 Licensure, PE (Emphasis & Minor) • Sport & Fitness Management • Sport Psychology (Minor)

Career Pathways

Explore the science of movement and physiology

• • • •

Develop skills that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance human performance while preparing for careers in personal training, physical education and health coaching – all at 7,700 feet above sea level. Graduates pursue careers in teaching, fitness, sport and wellness in addition to professional certifications and graduate degrees in physical therapy, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and other allied health fields.

Randall Gee

Beyond the Classroom

Randall Gee

Contact

Western’s ESS curriculum provides students with a holistic understanding of the biological, psychological and physiological aspects of exercise.

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Athletic Training Cardiac Rehabilitation Sport Administration Sport Psychology

From biomechanics, to VO2 max, to cardiac output and beyond, students study an array of physiology topics in the HAP Lab.

Lance Dalleck, Ph.D. Professor of Exercise & Sport Science ldalleck@western.edu 970.943.7132

ESS students participate in the Wellness Elevated program where they assist community members with creating and maintaining fitness regimens, and they gain access to Western’s High Altitude Performance (HAP) Lab where they conduct cutting-edge research on high altitude athletic performance.

western.edu/ess Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Geology

• • • •

Environmental Geology Geoarchaeology Petroleum Geology Secondary Licensure

Study millions of years geological evolution minutes away from campus

Career Pathways

Geology is the science of the Earth, which includes rocks, minerals and so much more. Our majors learn about important resources like clean water, lithium for batteries and fill for construction. They study ice age climates, earthquakes and landslides. The program boasts personalized field and classroom instruction in an amazing geologic location.

Beyond the Classroom

Emma Brophy

• • • •

Petroleum Geology Geophysics Field Sedimentology Hydrogeology

In addition to standard field trips and outdoor lab work, Western’s geology program requires students to partake in a month-long, immersive field camp experience in which they supplement their classroom knowledge with extensive practical learning in some of Colorado’s most geologically unique settings.

Contact

Western’s location in the South-Central Colorado Rockies makes it the perfect place for hands-on learning about a variety of geological phenomena.

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David Marchetti, Ph.D. Professor of Geology dmarchetti@western.edu 970.943.2367

western.edu/geology Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Mathematics

• Actuarial Science • Data Analytics (Minor) • Secondary Licensure

Career Pathways

Use theoretical math concepts to solve complex, real-world problems

• • • •

Economics Education Financial Planning Software Testing

Beyond the Classroom

Taylor Cull

In a world saturated with big data, the ability to create meaning out of this information is increasingly relevant and desired in business, finance, engineering, medicine and the sciences. A major or minor in mathematics complements any degree that uses the scientific process.

Math majors at Western enhance their degrees by attending two annual conferences, conducting independent research under the supervision of expert faculty and serving as tutors and supplemental instruction leaders for Western students who want help mastering their math skills.

Contact

Western’s Math program delivers more than just numbers and formulas; our professors equip students with critical thinking, problem solving and information analysis skills.

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Jeremy Muskat, Ph.D. Professor & Chair of MCS jmuskat@western.edu 970.943.3150

western.edu/program/mathematics Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Nutrition Science

• Community Nutrition • Pre-Dietetics

Career Pathways

Analyze health through the lens of nutrition

• • • •

Dietetics Nutritional Therapy Pediatric Nutrition Sports Nutrition

Beyond the Classroom

Randall Gee

Understanding the human diet and how to provide the human body with adequate nutrition is essential to maximizing health, wellness and overall fitness. Nutrition Science students will acquire the tools necessary to benefit the lives of others as they prepare to kick start their careers in nutrition, food science, food service management or public health.

Students in the Nutrition Science program can conduct research in the High Altitude Performance Lab, create specialized workout and nutrition plans for community members through the Wellness Elevated program, and work with professors to publish research in academic journals.

Randall Gee

Contact

Western’s Nutrition Science program prepares you to help others set and achieve their health goals through enhancing their food choices.

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Learn about the complexities and nuances of nutrition and how to incorporate individual lifestyle in diet choices.

Lance Dalleck, Ph.D. Professor of Exercise & Sport Science ldalleck@western.edu 970.943.7132

western.edu/program/nutrition-science Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor

Physics

• Applied Physics/ Pre-Engineering

Career Pathways

Untangle the complicated nature of energy, matter, motion and space

• • • •

Data Science Research Lab Management Process Engineering

Beyond the Classroom

Earn credits in labs while working closely with peers and professors.

Explore your many options of designing your own independent study or work alongside faculty on research projects. You can even build a Mars Rover-like robot for NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium Robotics Challenge, or study at the Gunnison Valley Observatory and peer through the reflector telescope.

John McKeith

Western’s physics program offers extensive opportunities to get involved outside the classroom. Past students have designed mock satellite missions, built and tested robots at Great Sand Dunes National Park, and conducted independent research at the Gunnison Valley Observatory.

Katie Lyons

Contact

The Physics program at Western emphasizes the importance of applied mathematics, making this program a perfect complement to any STEM degree.

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Physics students take their learning outside the classroom, whether it’s the merry-go-round on campus or testing robots in national parks.

John Mason, Ph.D. Professor of Physics jmason@western.edu 970.943.2142

western.edu/physics Western.edu

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UNDERGRADUATE

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Major & Minor (Biology)

Pre-Health

• Pre-Med/Cell & Molecular • Pre-Nursing • Pre-Physical Therapy

Career Pathways

Preparing you to help others enhance and renew their health

• • • • •

With an 89% acceptance rate for students who applied for a healthcare-related professional program over the last ten years, Western’s Pre-Health programs boast an unmatched tradition of excellence. Each of the three pre-health pathways provides a comprehensive curriculum that both challenges and engages students and supports them with the personalized mentorship they need to land their dream careers in the health and medical fields.

Carley Clegg

Beyond the Classroom

Carley Clegg

Contact

Our dedicated faculty help students land local internships each year to help them build their resumes prior to pursuing further study.

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Anesthesiology Dermatology Radiology Nursing Physical Therapy

Pre-Health students take courses that help them understand the human body from a biological, psychological and physiological perspective.

Emily McMahill, Pharm.D. Ferchau Lecturer in Biology, Pre-Health Advisor emcmahill@western.edu 970.943.2311

Pre-Health students make the most of their degrees by participating in the pre-health mentorship program, the Rocky Vista University early-acceptance program (automatic acceptance into medical school), several pre-health focused clubs, academic societies and independent research funded through the Thornton Biology Research Program.

western.edu/program/ pre-health-advising Western.edu

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WESTERN-CU PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Western-CU Partnership Program Earn a CU Boulder Degree at Western Earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering from CU Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science—all on Western’s campus.

Students in the partnership program complete their first two years as Western students and the balance of their education as CU Boulder students, all while remaining on the Western campus in Gunnison.

The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering was established in 2018 through a generous $80 million gift from CEO of Antero Resources, Paul M. Rady ‘78. The school aims to provide the ever-growing technology industry with well-rounded, innovative professionals.

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WESTERN-CU PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

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Areas of Specialization

Computer Science

• • • •

Career Pathways

Become career ready in one of the fastest growing industries

• • • •

As digital technology continues to evolve and becomes an even bigger part of modern society, the demand has never been higher for computer scientists. In this program, you’ll become fluent in coding languages, understand computer system architecture on a macro and micro scale and work with dedicated faculty to prepare for a rewarding career in the technology industry.

Software Engineering Research & Development Project Management Web Development

Kate Wasson

Beyond the Classroom Students in the Computer Science program enhance their learning through pursuing internship opportunities, tutoring their peers at the Lambda Learning Center, attending STEM career fairs, and conducting independent research under faculty supervision.

Kate Wasson

Contact

Western’s facilities allow students to put their knowledge to the test and contribute meaningful work to organizations around the community, state and nation.

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Robotics Data Science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence

As the demand for computer scientists and engineers grows, program graduates will look forward to dozens of fulfilling and lucrative job opportunities.

Laurel Fisher Assistant Director, Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program lfisher@western.edu 970.943.7042

western.edu/program/computerscience-university-colorado-partnership Western.edu

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WESTERN-CU PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

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Mechanical Engineering

Areas of Specialization • • • • •

Robotics Biomechanics Product Design Outdoor Industry Engineering Sustainability

Career Pathways

Bring your bold engineering ideas into reality

• • • •

Beyond the Classroom

Kate Wasson

In the Mechanical Engineering program, you’ll use physics, math, technology and a sense of innovation to craft futureoriented solutions to complex problems.

Our state-of-the-art facilities provide you with an engaging learning environment that facilitates practical understanding of even the most complex classroom concepts, and you’ll be encouraged and mentored by expert faculty to prepare you for the career of your dreams.

Kate Wasson

Contact

The Rady Building, Western’s newest academic facility, provides students with the most up-to-date computer equipment and software.

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Research & Development Project Management Product Management Systems Engineering

Through partnerships with organizations such as Blister Labs, students gain resume-building experience to make them competitive applicants in future career searches.

Laurel Fisher Assistant Director, Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program lfisher@western.edu 970.943.7042

Mechanical engineering students bring their learning into the community and are encouraged to have fun while doing it. Whether they’re building trebuchets to launch tennis balls across campus, designing unique bike racks to place throughout the town, or testing outdoor equipment for functionality, our students gain the real-world experience they need to succeed in future careers. western.edu/ program/mechanicalengineering-universitycolorado-partnership Western.edu

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ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAMS

LEARN MORE Ecology

Fast Track Your Education

• B.A. in Environment & Sustainability or B.S. in Biology • M.S. in Ecology

Environmental Management (MEM) western.edu/mem3plus2 • B.A. in Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability, History, Politics & Government, Psychology, Recreation & Outdoor Education or Sociology or B.S. in Biology

Jumpstart your entry into the professional world

• Master in Environmental Management

Accelerate your education, accelerate your career. Western offers a multitude of accelerated degrees, allowing you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years—saving you time and money. Pursuing this path gets you out into the workforce and gives you a head start on career success.

Exercise & Sport Science (HAEP) western.edu/haep • B.S. in Biology or Exercise & Sport Science • M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science, High Altitude Exercise Physiology

Outdoor Industry (OIMBA) Carley Clegg

Each accelerated program functions a bit differently, but in general, you spend the first three years taking undergraduate courses and the last two taking graduate courses. After the fourth year, you earn your bachelor’s. After the fifth year, you earn your master’s.

Contact Western’s accelerated STEM degrees allow students to streamline their undergraduate education into a practical master’s thesis project.

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western.edu/ecology3plus2

Admissions Office admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119

western.edu/outdoor-industry-mba • B.S. in Mechnical Engineering • MBA in Outdoor Industry

Rural Community Health western.edu/mbs • B.A. in Sociology with a Community Health emphasis • MBS in Rural Community Health

Social Media Facebook: @WesternColoradoUniversity Instagram: @westerncoloradouniversity @westerncoadmissions LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/ western-colorado-university Twitter: @WesternColoU TikTok: @westerncou

More Info

Olivia Reinhardt

Flynn Guerrieri Regional Director of STEM Recruitment fguerrieri@western.edu 970.975.3048

Admissions

Financial Aid

western.edu/admissions-aid/admissions admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119

western.edu/finaid finaid@western.edu 970.943.3085

Front Cover: Olivia Reinhardt

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